Superficial posterior compartment of the leg

The superficial posterior compartment of the leg is one of the four compartments in the leg between the knee and foot. Muscles within this compartment primarily produce ankle plantarflexion as all 3 muscles form the Achilles tendon. Of the two posterior compartments, the superficial compartment is substantially the largest.

The leg is separated into anterior, lateral, superficial posterior and deep posterior compartments by intermuscular septa and surrounded by the deep fascia of the leg. The transverse intermuscular septum divides the posterior compartments.

Muscles

• triceps surae muscle
  • medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius muscle
  • soleus muscle
• plantaris muscle

Arterial supply

• branches of the posterior tibial artery and fibular artery

Innervation

• tibial nerve